Ok to put 6 and 4 week olds out togeter?

3riverschick

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Hi,
I have Light Sussex. Have 3 6 week old pullets. Also have 6 quan. 4 week olds ( 3 cockerels, 3 pullets).
Finished the new chicken tractor/grow-out pen today. It is strong and sheltered. Nice clean nest boxes with pine chips. So my question is, can I put them out there together? Today is was 88 in day, 62 at night. The 6 week olds have been without light for a week, doing fine. The 4 week olds, no light during the day, minimal at night. Doing fine. Will they get along if I mix them at this age? If I put the 6 week olds out now and the 4 week olds out next week at 5 weeks, will they get along? I need them to get along because this is my only grow out pen. It is spacious, the nests are on two levels.
Thanks for your advice,
Karen
 
I would have to say they probably would be fine together but keep an eye on them for a little while to make sure any pecking doesn't get out of control. Also, close off the nest boxes until they are ready to start laying. They will sleep in them and you really can't let them do that.
 
If they haven't interacted at all I would try to split the coop for a couple of days. Usually chicks don't have a lot of problems integrating, so even if you can't split the coop they could get along. As for the heat I wouldn't count on it staying warm, the four week olds will need a heat source for a few more days. I'd move that tractor close to an outlet and plug a light in at night.
 

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